Entering the world of community development and volunteerism might be intimidating, particularly for a young person with little experience. Efrel Joy Papa, a 24-year-old community volunteer from Barangay Buga in Libon, Albay, braved the unknown for the rewarding service when she joined the Department of Social Welfare and Development’s (DSWD) Kapit-Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan – Comprehensive and Integrated Delivery of Social Services (KALAHI-CIDSS) in 2024.

Although she had been a Tourism Volunteer since 2018, it was the first time for Joy to be in a new world of community engagement and leading the development changes in her community. She became a part of the Project Preparation Team (PPT), which develops the project proposals to be funded by the program. The proposals were based on the pressing needs of the community.

“Sa umpisa, nagdalawang isip ako kung dapat akong sumali. Wala akong karanasan sa pamumuno, ngunit naniniwala ako na ang tunay na pagbabago ay nagsisimula sa munting mga hakbang,” she shared.

(At first, I was hesitant to join. I had no experience in leadership, but I believed that real change starts with small steps.)

Even though she struggled with shyness and self-doubt, Joy used her voice to raise the needs of her community, particularly on the improvement of accessibility. Joy, together with her fellow community volunteers proposed and implemented the concreting of pathway funded under the KALAHI-CIDSS National Community-Driven Development Program Additional Financing (NCDDP AF) with a total project cost of PHP 485,230.00 benefiting 926 households.

Through the process, the community volunteer learned the step-by-step process in executing the project from proposal development until the implementation as well as the bidding for service providers and sustainability of the subproject.

The community saw the difficulty in transportation as a priority need due to rough and muddy roads in which traveling becomes burdensome and dangerous especially for students going to school and farmers delivering their harvest to the market. Through a series of consultations and collective planning and decision-making, the pathway came into fruition.

“Ang KALAHI-CIDSS ay hindi lamang nagdala ng imprastraktura, kundi nagbigay rin ng inspirasyon at pag-asa sa amin,” she said.

(KALAHI-CIDSS not only brings infrastructure, but also gives us inspiration and hope.)

Joy emphasized that through the collaboration between the government and community, they have proved that positive change is indeed possible.

“At sa tuwing dumadaan ako sa maayos na kalsadang ito, palagi kong naaalala kung paanong ang pagkakaisa at sama-samang pagkilos ay nagbunga ng mas magaan at mas magandang buhay para sa lahat,” she recalled.

(And every time I pass through this well-paved road, I am always reminded of how unity and collective action led to a lighter and better life for everyone.)

Joy also likened her experience as a volunteer to a community because no matter the problems that may come to the barangay, through unity, they continue to remain a strong and thriving community.

“Katulad ko po, hindi din po ako sumuko sa pagiging isang community volunteer dahil na rin sa adhikain na makatulong sa aming komunidad,” she explained.

(Just like me, I didn’t give up on being a community volunteer because of my commitment to help our community.)

Coming out of the shell, Joy believed that community development can be achieved when people put trust in their capabilities to unite. Everything can be learned, especially when you become part of a good group. Even if there are age differences or big age gaps, there will be people to support you.

“Ang bawat halakhak at pagbati ng pasasalamat ay patunay na ang tagumpay ay bunga ng kolektibong pagsisikap,” she concluded.

(Every laugh and expression of gratitude is a proof that success is the result of collective effort.)